Is Hell forever?
Submitted by Reason Filled on 2002-10-30 12:24:08, Wednesday
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This is something I have discussed with fellow Christians for some time, and I though I might get some of your views on it. What sparked my curiosity was a conversation with some Mormons. Mormons believe that EVERYONE is saved, through Jesus, weather they accept Him or not. The believe that Hell is simply where those that rejected God go to be cleansed of their sins. Basically, Hell is their torment in finally understanding how they turned their backs on God, and when they repent, while in Hell, they are forgiven and then brought to Heaven. You are probably wondering why, then, they bother proselytizing non mormons then. Well, they believe in different levels of heaven. Those that work the hardest for God get the greatest rewards, ect. Anyways, I do not buy all this, but the notion of Hell not being permanent, I wonder about. In the original translation of the KJV, only the FLAMES of hell are described as being eternal, not a soul's stay there. Even then, there is said to be much lost in the translation. When I approach the question strictly from my own perspective, I just cannot see anyone deserving ETERNAL damnation. Not when I have come to understand how truly flawed and weak we humans are. I see fellow christians speaking about people like John Mohammad (the suspected serial sniper) and saying that they wish he spends eternity in Hell. I cannot, as a christian, wish that upon anyone. Not even Osama, or Hitler, or Ted Bundy. I can fully understand punishment. I can see time in hell for those that not only reject God, but openly defy Him. But Hell, isn't about being physically burned. Hell is about reliving, and being tormented by how you lived. Does that necessarily need to go on for ETERNITY? I mean, think about it, ETERNITY. Now, knowing this would not change anything about our life here on Earth, so I can understand why the Bible isn't so clear on it. I don't think that even if Hell were temporary, that we should be any less diligent in spreading God's word. I would never claim to know the mind of God. And I have no doubt, whatsoever, that what He does is nothing but just. I guess my curious mind just likes to wonder about the details. |
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